The couple whose three children were taken into care after they allegedly drank themselves into a stupor on holiday in Portugal categorically denied today they had consumed excess alcohol.

Former bank manager Eamon McGuckin and his wife Antoinette, from Upperlands, near Maghera, Co Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, insisted they had not put their children in any kind of danger.

In a statement, they insisted the first drink they had on the day of their arrival at their hotel last Friday was with their evening meal.

The statement said: "The amount of alcohol they consumed would not have been sufficient to render them incapable of being responsible parents."

The couple returned home early from Portugal after leaving the country yesterday - just hours before they were expected in court in Faro.

Their children, aged six, two and one, were taken into care after Mr and Mrs McGuckin allegedly passed out at the Aparthotel Mourabel at Vilamoura. It is understood the family are staying with friends.

The couple's statement said: "We live and breathe for our children and would never ever place them in any kind of danger."